With the spotlight on the quarterbacks, often overlooked offensive lineman Adam Snyder stole the show against the Denver Broncos.

Coach Mike Singletary said as much Saturday after reviewing game film of the 49ers’ 17-16 victory the night before. For most players, “pretty decent” was about the best compliment Singletary could muster. But Snyder was a different story.
“The thing that jumped out at me is that Adam Snyder did a nice job. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Singletary said.
Now in his fifth season, Snyder looks increasingly like the starting right tackle. The former third-round pick out of Oregon is ahead of former Pro Bowl selection Marvel Smith, although Singletary held back on declaring the position battle over.
He did, however, recall a conversation with Snyder last season, when the 6-foot-6, 325-pound lineman filled in at several spots. Snyder told Singletary that he could reach a new level of performance if only he could stay in one spot. “I was frustrated with that at the time,” Singletary said. “I wanted it now.”
In his career, he has 21 games at left tackle, seven at left guard, six at right tackle and four at right guard. But he may have finally found a permanent home.
—Pro Football Talk reported that reserve running back Thomas Clayton suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament during the fourth quarter. Singletary would not address the report, saying instead that Clayton was still being evaluated. Results of Clayton’s MRI exam will be announced on Sunday, according to a team spokesman.
—Singletary also held back on a timetable for fullback Zak Keasey, who suffered a fractured forearm. The injury probably will keep Keasey out for an extended period — perhaps for the season — and the 49ers will consider adding another player.
—Fullback Brit Miller got a longer look in the wake of Keasey’s injury and delivered touchdown catches of 3 yards and 40 yards. How did the former Illinois linebacker fare when he wasn’t catching passes?
“He did OK,” Singletary said. “He’s still learning the position. When you’re a linebacker, all you have to do is run around and go hit people.”
—Singletary’s evaluation of the quarterbacks remains the same as it was immediately after the game. He thought both Shaun Hill and Alex Smith did OK but there are miles to go before he declares a starter.
—He was more effusive about rookie running back Glen Coffee, who averaged 4.8 yards on 14 carries.
“I was very excited about what I saw,” Singletary said. “He was a tough guy and a tough runner. He did a decent job in pass protection.”
—Singletary seemed a tad mystified by the lack of the pass rush and said he needed to study the film longer to put his finger on it. Asked about Manny Lawson, who was consistently stonewalled at the line of scrimmage, Singletary said all players need to do a better job of getting past cut blocks.
—The coach gave a thumbs up to new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. The 49ers had 30 rushing plays and 18 passing plays. In total, they averaged 5.3 yards per play and converted 7 of 13 third downs.
“I thought he kept a good rhythm,” Singletary said of Raye. “The play selection was good, and we executed fairly well.”
—Singletary and running backs coach Tom Rathman were not happy with a late-game decision by running back Kory Sheets. The coaches had ordered Sheets not to go out of bounds as the 49ers tried to run down the clock in the final minutes. But the rookie got excited during a 25-yard run and veered off to the sideline, stopping the clock. Sheets tried to explain his excitement to Singletary and Rathman, but the coaches didn’t buy it. “Just don’t run out of bounds,” Singletary told the kid.
—Vernon Davis had two catches for 41 yards. “That didn’t surprise me at all,” Singletary said. “I thought he did a nice job.”